This week, all eyes are on Rome as in these weeks, more than ever, the city stands at the very center of global attention.
St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel will close
The Eternal City finds itself in a moment of deep spiritual solemnity with the passing of Pope Francis coinciding with the Holy Jubilee Year. Since Tuesday, the Pope has been lying in state beneath the majestic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. A steady stream of mourners has filled the square, to silently file past the coffin. This Saturday the Pope’s funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Peter’s Square, followed by interment at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, in Rome‘s central Esquilino district. The Vatican will then enter the Novendiales, a sacred nine-day period of mourning. Visitors should note that during this time, the Basilica and the Vatican Museums — including the Sistine Chapel — will experience closures which still have to be announced.
Air travel could suffer flights adjustments
The impact will be felt beyond the Vatican walls. Increased foot traffic, tighter security, and temporary road closures are already making transit through central Rome more complex, particularly around the Vatican City and the Esquilino. Air travelers should anticipate possible delays, as dignitaries arrive and airspace may be more congested, so be prepared for flight adjustments both at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA) airports.
Monuments, restaurants, hotels and shops will be open
Despite these unique circumstances, much of Rome carries on. Popular landmarks like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps will continue to welcome the world, albeit with larger-than-usual crowds and a slightly more watchful pace. Shops, restaurants, hotels and museums will be open for business as usual, although the heavier traffic will mean extra time on the move. Then, fom May 6 to 18 - days during which the 135 Cardinals who will elect the new Pope will gather in the Sistine Chapel for the Conclave ceremony - the Foro Italico will play host to one of tennis’s most popular tournaments, drawing fans from around the world for the Italian Open.
